Unique Road Trip in the Middle of Kansas
Looking for a unique road trip in the middle of Kansas? Maybe you’re passing through and like to find quirky stops to break up the road time. Or maybe you’re looking for a fun day trip from Central Nebraska or Kansas? You have to check out Rock City near Minneapolis, KS! The large rock formations feel like you’ve landed on another planet.
Last year I was driving back and forth from Nebraska to Kansas every week on Highway 81. I kept passing this sign for Rock City. Curiosity got the best of me so one Sunday, I left enough time in my travel to pull off and check it out and I’m glad I did!
What the heck is Rock City? It’s a five acre park with about 200 ginormous Dakota Sandstone Concretions – aka giant sandstone rocks. Smack dab in the middle of flat Kansas farmland. Most places you go to now you can just look at things. But they actually encourage you to climb all over them. Kids would absolutely love this place, but even for me, as an adult, I had a blast. I was the only one there too, on a Sunday evening, so that was even better.
There is a $3 fee but it’s completely worth it. It’s been designated a National Natural Landmark, which is pretty cool. The rocks average in diameter from 10-20 feet, with the average size being 12 feet across. The park claims to be the only one of its kind in the world with this many concretions of this size.
How do You Get to Rock City in Kansas?
Rock City is at the Minneapolis, KS exit on Highway 81, which is about an hour and 15 minutes South of the NE/KS border. It’s also about an hour and 15 minutes North of Wichita. Rock City is 3.5 miles South of Minneapolis. Follow the signs, you can’t miss it. From Kearney, where I was traveling from, it was just over 3 hours. So it’s a pretty easy day trip if you’re looking for an adventure on a weekend.
You can’t miss it if you’re on Highway 81. I took a different route from Kearney every time, sometimes driving South and taking different highways. Sometimes taking I-80 to York and then heading South. Go North from Wichita or South from York on Highway 81 and you’ll see the signs for it.
Where Should You Stay When You Visit Rock City?
If you decide to stay the night somewhere rather than a day trip, Wichita is a pretty fun town. I’ve stayed downtown there a handful of times. The Hotel at Old Town is a nice place and conveniently located. Depending on the time of year, there is a lot going on in downtown Wichita. There was a farmer’s market across the street from the hotel when we were there, which was fun to walk around. There are also hotels up and down Highway 81 depending on where you’re going to or coming from. Salina has a lot of options.
Where Should You Eat When You Visit Rock City?
I think it’s always fun to pack a picnic and cooler so you can eat on top of one of the giant rocks. How often can you say you did that?? But there are also a lot of great restaurants in Wichita. If you go that route, you have to eat at Bite Me BBQ. They have the best Bloody Mary with an entire meal served on top of it - check out the pic below! Their BBQ is delicious and there’s a really neat brewery across the street, Norton’s Brewing Company, with a beer garden. And it’s dog-friendly!
Where is the World’s Largest Ball of Twine?
While you’re exploring the area, might I also recommend seeing the Largest Ball of Twine? I’m a sucker for quirky road-side attractions and I’ve stopped here more than once. I love it! It’s in Cawker City, Kansas, which is only an hour Northwest of Minneapolis on Highway 24. I mean, you’re in the area, why not??
And, it’s also worth noting that the Geographic Center of the contiguous United States is also nearby, just 30 minutes North of the ball of twine near Lebanon. Kansas is full of sunflower fields so the views are really pretty!
Here’s a handy little map with these 3 spots marked:
A Fun, Unique Road Trip in Kansas!
You know I love a good day trip. And it’s rare to find such a neat landmarks in the middle of nowhere. So pack a cooler, grab your camera and check it out! I took the pics with me in them with my trusty selfie stick. If you need one, this is my new favorite – it doubles as a tripod! Don’t forget to let me know what you think after you go 😊 If you’re looking for other fun road trips, check out The Black Hills, Estes Park or Central Nebraska for the Sandhill Crane migration.
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